CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Dr. Richard Banz, executive director of the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, will present “Stealing a General in Georgia” during the 43rd annual convention of the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA).

Banz will speak at 7:45 p.m. on July 15 at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in downtown Chattanooga. His remarks will detail the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, when Union spies infiltrated enemy lines and captured a Confederate locomotive – an action that ultimately failed, but resulted in the nation’s first Medals of Honor.

Banz’ presentation is part of the LCCA’s 43rd Annual Convention, held at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, July 14-20, 2013. The convention will offer several Civil War related tours, display various operating toy train layouts on site, present numerous rail excursion tours, as well as host a Toy Train Show and Swap Meet, open to the public on Saturday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free, and LCCA will accept donations to benefit a local children’s charity.

Banz, a proud member of the Lionel Collectors Club of America, received his first Lionel train set in 1971 and has loved Lionel trains ever since. His main interest is in Postwar and MPC/Fundimensions era Lionel trains. He has built several conventional layouts and currently maintains a 5 feet by 8 feet layout that he operates and shares with his wife and young son.

About LCCA
The Lionel Collectors Club of America is a national, not-for profit, volunteer organization which was formed by Jim Gates of Perry, Iowa, along with 83 other charter members back in 1970. The club has grown over the years and has approximately 8000 members from all around the world, but predominantly in the US. The purpose of the club is to “promote and foster interest, research, education and enjoyment of Lionel trains from 1900 to the present in particular and by association, all toy trains in general.” For more information, go to the “Special Events” tab on www.lionelcollectors.org.

About The Southern Museum
A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about the Great Locomotive Chase, including the General locomotive; and a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war. The Jolley Education Center features a variety of hands-on exhibits to inspire a love of learning in children. The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children ages 4-12, and free for children three and under. For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org.